A calculator displays the result as 5.779e–8. How should this value be interpreted in scientific notation?

• A. 5.779 × 10^{–0.8}
• B. 5.779 × 10^{8}
• C. 5.779 × 10^{-7}
• D. 5.779 × 10^{-8}

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the notation '5.779e–8' means 5.779 multiplied by 10 raised to the power of -8. The 'e' stands for 'exponent' in scientific notation, representing 'times 10 to the power of'.
2. Rewrite the given value explicitly in scientific notation format: \$5.779 \times 10^{-8}$.
3. Compare this with the options provided to identify which matches the correct exponent and coefficient.
4. Note that the exponent '-8' means the decimal point moves 8 places to the left, making the number very small.
5. Confirm that the correct interpretation is \$5.779 \times 10^{-8}$, as it exactly matches the calculator display and the scientific notation format.